(1) The child-caring agency licensed as a traditional group home, as defined in subsection 65C-46.001(22), F.A.C., or residential group home, as defined in subsection 65C-46.001(16), F.A.C., and serving non-dependency youth must meet licensing requirements set forth in Rules 65C-46.001 through 65C-46.014, F.A.C.

Ask a business law question, get an answer ASAP!
Thousands of highly rated, verified business lawyers.
Click here to chat with a lawyer about your rights.

    (2) If serving dependency youth, the child-caring agency licensed as a traditional group home, as defined in subsection 65C-46.001(22), F.A.C., or residential group home, as defined in subsection 65C-46.001(16), F.A.C. must meet licensing requirements set forth in Rules 65C-46.001 through 65C-46.014, F.A.C., and must specify in their program description policies which of the following they choose to serve:
    (a) Young adults, ages 18-21 years of age., or 22 years of age with documented disability who are enrolled in Extended Foster Care (EFC), or young adults in the Road to Independence Program, or
    (b) Children and youth placed in out-of-home care whose Comprehensive Placement Assessment recommends placement in a group care setting/program that has been identified but is unavailable at the time of placement.
    (3) Requirements for Serving Independent Living Young Adults.
    (a) The minimum staffing ratio for this population is one to eight when young adults are awake and one to 12 when young adults are asleep.
    (b) The child-caring agency shall ensure all direct care staff complete pre-service training requirements in Fl. Admin. Code R. 65C-46.011(9)(c), and receive an additional eight (8) hours of training focused on teaching independent living skills, caring for teens in foster care, and nurturing adolescent development. Of the 40 hours of annual in-service training required in Fl. Admin. Code R. 65C-46.011(9)(d), eight (8) hours shall be focused on caring for and transition planning for young adults.
    (c) The child-caring agency shall collaborate with the child welfare professional and young adult to complete required plans outlined in rule Chapters 65C-41 and 65C-42, F.A.C. Copies shall be included in the young adult’s file.
    (d) The child-caring agency shall provide the following services:
    1. Life skill instruction.
    2. Counseling.
    3. Educational Support.
    4. Employment preparation and placement.
    5. Development of a supportive network of adults.
    (4) Requirements for Serving Youth Entering Out-of-Home Care.
    (a) Transition planning shall be initiated 48 hours after placement.
    (b) The child-caring agency shall collaborate with the child welfare professional to provide and/or assist with the following services:
    1. Coordination of assessments including, but not limited to, suitability assessments, Early and Periodic Screening Diagnostic and Treatment (EPSDT), or assessments of preliminary mental and/or behavioral health needs.
    2. Coordinate referrals to and arrangements for continued services in a least restrictive setting.
    3. Assess family connections/relationships to assist with family finding efforts.
Rulemaking Authority Florida Statutes § 409.175(5). Law Implemented Florida Statutes § 409.175. History-New 5-26-21, Formerly 64C-14.123.